What is IsoFix?

Isofix car seat safety system

From 2006 all new cars are equipped with ISOFIX, and ISOFIX is also fitted in a large number of car brands built prior to 2006.

How does ISOFIX work

To install a car seat using the ISOFIX fitting points in your car and the ISOFIX anchorage of the child seat creates a rigid connection between the child seat and the car chassis.

Installing the two standard ISOFIX attachment points at the base of the car seat to the car’s ISOFIX fitting points.

Maxi-Cosi ISOFIX baby and toddler car seats (group 0+ and group 1) and base units have a support leg or top tether to prevent pitching forward in case of an accident. For group 2/3 car seats this is not required, since the car’s seat belt is still being used.

Support leg

The support leg is a very commonly used anti-tipping device. It is a so called semi-universal system, which means that for correct fit the Maxi-Cosi car fitting list should be consulted. The support leg is positioned at the floor of the car between the back seat and the front seat, or between the front seat and dashboard. Attention should be paid that the car does not have a floor compartment as this could negatively impact the safety performance. The Maxi-Cosi online car fitting list can be consulted to see if the car seat of your choice can be safely installed in your car.

Top tether

Top tether is a universal system, which means that the car seat should fit all cars with a top tether anchor point. The top tether can be located at different places in the back of the car: at the back of the rear seat, at the bottom of the trunk or on the ceiling. In most new cars this anchor point is highlighted with the top-tether logo (displaying an anchor). Please consult the manual of the car to see if the car is equipped with a top tether anchorage. The Maxi-Cosi online car fitting list can be consulted to see if the car seat of your choice can be safely installed in your car and where the top tether location can be found.

Why choose an ISOFIX car seat?

While child car seats using regular seat belts are regularly installed and used incorrectly, with ISOFIX the risk of incorrect installation is very small.

ISOFIX offers high safety for children and ease of use to parents:

• Solid and permanent connection between the car seat and the car chassis: force of impact is more controlled, resulting in less force being applied on the child
• Support leg or top tether as an anti-tipping device for increased stability and safety
• Conveniently easy installation in car using standard fitting points without seat belt hassle
• Minimizes errors in installation and use compared to seat belt car seats
• Seat is also secured when driving without a child

Maxi-Cosi offers the following ISOFIX seats:

Check the online car fitting list to see which Maxi-Cosi ISOFIX car seat fits your car and download the user instructions for more details (see Servicetab on the specific car seat page). To be certain that your ISOFIX car seat fits correctly, we recommend you bring your car to the store when purchasing a car seat. The trained staff will be able to show you how to install and use the car seat properly.